HIV associated with increased risk of melanoma

HIV infection is associated with an increased risk of melanoma (skin cancer), according to the results of a meta-analysis published in PLOS ONE. In short, people living with HIV had a 26% increase in their relative risk of melanoma compared to the general population. The risk increases to 50% for white-skinned people living with HIV.

The authors of the analysis therefore recommend fair-skinned people with HIV should get regular screenings for suspicious skin lesions and should be warned about the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun. You can talk to your doctor about finding a specialist who can perform a skin cancer screening. To help prevent melanoma, it is also important to use sun block with an SPF of at least 15 on exposed skin, when outdoors.